Footage of Pyne directing Bishop to rise to her feet after Bill Shorten’s May 15 budget reply speech initially caused some controversy after spreading on social networks.
The ASO Board, however, were quick to spot Pyne’s talent and immediately sent him an invitation to take on a guest conductorship.
“We noticed straight away,” said a Board member, who preferred to remain anonymous. “The commanding presence, the quick and decisive movement of the hand… Mr Pyne is a natural conductor, no mistake. And you can see this in Ms Bishop’s response: her instincts take over and she practically jumps to her feet, instantly compelled to obey his direction.”
In an official statement this morning, an ASO spokesman said that the Board were delighted to report that Mr Pyne had accepted the offer and would be leading the Orchestra for several performances throughout the 2014/15 season. Tickets and subscriptions are available from the ASO website.